Cavaliers vs. Thunder Prediction: Can Cavs cover as slight dogs?

Cavaliers vs. Thunder Cavaliers vs. Thunder

The Cleveland Cavaliers head to OKC to face the Thunder on Thursday night at 7:30 PM ET. The game is on TNT, truTV, and Max. Can the Thunder cover the 2.5-point spread as home favorites? Keep reading for our Cavaliers vs. Thunder betting prediction.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 34-5 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 27-12 ATS this season.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 33-6 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 25-12-3 ATS this season.

Cavaliers vs. Thunder Matchup & Betting Odds

527 Cleveland Cavaliers (+2.5) at 528 Oklahoma City Thunder (-2.5); o/u 232.5

7:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, January 16, 2025

Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK

TV: TNT/truTV/Max

Cavaliers vs. Thunder Public Betting Information

Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 50% of public bettors are currently backing the Thunder when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.

Cleveland Cavaliers Daily Fantasy Spin

Cavaliers shooting guard Ty Jerome is questionable to play on Thursday night due to an illness. Jerome is having a solid season in 2024-2025. The Virginia alum is averaging 10.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while playing 17.6 minutes per contest this year. 

Ty Jerome is shooting 49.8% from the floor and 41.2% from three-point range in 36 appearances this season. If Jerome is unable to play, Cleveland will likely allot more minutes to Caris LeVert, Sam Merrill, and Craig Porter Jr.

Oklahoma City Thunder Daily Fantasy Spin

Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), guard Nikola Topic (knee), power forward Chet Holmgren (hip), guard Ajay Mitchell (toe), and forward Adam Flagler (hand) will all sit out Thursday’s contest. 

With Hartenstein and Holmgren out, Oklahoma City will likely give more playing time to Jaylin Williams, Aaron Wiggins, and Kenrich Williams. 

Flagler and Mitchell’s absence will slightly affect the Thunder’s depth at the guard spots. OKC guards Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe could be candidates for increased roles on Thursday as a result.

Cleveland is 10-1 ATS in non-conference games this season.

Cleveland is 23-10 ATS after a win this season.

The Cavaliers are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games overall.

Cleveland is 3-0 ATS as an underdog this season.

Cavaliers vs. Thunder NBA Prediction:

The Cavaliers have been terrific on the road this season. Cleveland is an NBA-best 13-4 ATS as the road team in 2024-2025. What’s more, the Cavaliers are solid when playing on abbreviated rest. Cleveland is 14-6 ATS when playing on 1 day of rest this year. Additionally, the Cavs are 15-9 ATS when playing an opponent on equal rest this season. 

Oklahoma City has been quite good this season, but Cleveland might be a bad matchup for them. The Thunder will be missing their two best big men for this contest in Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. Two of Cleveland’s best players are big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Mobley is averaging 19.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game this year while Allen is putting up 14.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest on the campaign. That duo could very well prove to be the difference in this game. I’m taking the Cavs and points on the road in OKC on Thursday night.

Cavaliers vs. Thunder Prediction: CLEVELAND CAVALIERS +2.5  

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